What is a bunion and how did I get it?
Well, bunion means bump. So yes, that bump could be a bunion. If it's right behind the big toe, on the side of the foot, then it's a bunion. How could this happen to me, you ask? Our first question is whether anyone in the family has a bunion, either a parent or grandparent. The foot type you inherit, meaning any imbalances in the foot, are inherited. These imbalances may lead to a bunion. The propensity to develop a bunion may also skip a generation. This is the nature part of the story.
What about my shoes?
Now for the nurture part. Women are more likely to develop bunions and it is easy to see why. Fifteen years in tapered high heels, along with inherited imbalances taken together, and boom, you have a bunion. Poorly fitting or tight shoes may allow those inherited imbalances to worsen over time. Patients often present to the office with a complaint of a bunion that has 'just' developed. However, a bunion may have been developing for twenty years, but until it became inflamed and painful, its gradual emergence appeared to be a normal part of your foot. (Children's bunions are obviously inherited, or a result of one of the class of diseases which include rheumatoid arthritis.)
What can I do about my bunion?
Many people with bunion pain are able to find relief through conservative treatments such as properly fitted, roomier shoes, padding and strapping, custom foot inserts called orthotics, injection therapy or physical therapy. These treatments will not get rid of the bunion, as it is a bony deformity, but they often help to diminish the pain. Custom orthotics can even delay further development of the bunion.
When is surgery necessary?
However if conservative treatment fails to alleviate the symptoms, then bunion surgery may be necessary. If you have constant pain, cannot wear shoes, and your quality of life is affected, then it's time to consider surgical correction. Ignoring signs and symptoms such as these may predispose one to arthritic changes of the joint, with increasing pain and stiffness.
There are multiple options available when it comes to bunion surgery, as no two bunions are alike. Dr. Zilberbrand and I perform a biomechanical examination, review your x-rays, and discuss which procedure is appropriate for you. Our goal is to perform the most minimally invasive procedure necessary to correct your bunion.
Bunion surgery is ambulatory, meaning you arrive at the hospital and go home the same day. The majority of patients will be able to walk the same day.
We look forward to answering any questions you have regarding this common foot deformity.
